Giants look to gain some ground in series against Portland
Posted March 25, 2014 12:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The Giants’ playoff series swings back to Vancouver this evening.
Trailing 2-0 in the best of seven series, the Giants enter tonight’s game against Portland in a near must win situation. The Winterhawks dominated the first two games, posting 4-3 and 3-0 victories. They also hold a 88-31 edge in shots.
Giants goalie Payton Lee has been peppered in net, but he says he can be better. “You have to respect the fact that they are a top team in the league. To some people it might add extra pressure, but at the same time I think it relieves some pressure as well because you just go play and don’t worry about it.”
Head Coach Don Hay says he has tweaked the game plan and thinks the Giants are far from out of it.
“We have to be more determined to get pucks to the net and create shots and scoring chances. Everyone talks about how good Portland is offensively, but they are also very good defensively. They don’t spend much time in the defensive zone. We would like to spend more time in the defensive zone.”
The odds are not in the Giants’ favour entering the game. Portland is the hottest team in the country. The team has won nine in a row, and 30 of its last 31 games.
Vancouver’s Jackson Houck says this game is pretty much do-or-die for the Giants season.
“Obviously it is the most important game for us being down 0-2. The third game is going to be very important. We are going to have the same preparation. Obviously it is going to be a little more intense with our home fans behind us and I think we will be just fine.”
Ty Ronning will be back in the Giants lineup tonight. He missed the first two games due to illness.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m..
